The Background
This is an exciting time for AEP and our partners. While our students receive a quality education and are prepared to further their learning experience at the university level, there are those who wish to pursue a different path, along with community members who have not had the opportunity to formally attend school. To fully equip individuals for the workforce, AEP has joined with our partners to provide training in the trades. This opportunity extends beyond to those outside of the educational system; people of all faiths and tribes- whether disenfranchised youth, widowed women, or unemployed men- are welcome to apply.
While the centers are operational, there is a continual need for durable equipment and training supplies necessary during the educational sessions. Please refer to the list below. Financial gifts for equipment kits are gratefully accepted. To donate, click the donate button at the top of the page. Then identify your specific wish in the "Note to seller" box when checking out.
While the centers are operational, there is a continual need for durable equipment and training supplies necessary during the educational sessions. Please refer to the list below. Financial gifts for equipment kits are gratefully accepted. To donate, click the donate button at the top of the page. Then identify your specific wish in the "Note to seller" box when checking out.
equipment utilized by the centers:
The centers are always in need of equipment, as adult students may be provided with start-up kits specific to their area of training upon graduation. Here are the most commonly needed kits with costs:
- Sewing machine $195
- Leatherworks kit $205
- Barbering kit $95
- Soap making/cosmetics kit $95
- Baking/catering kit $205
- Knitting machine $275
- Jewelry making kit $145
- Satellite installation calibrator $150
Skills offered at the centers :
Skills are offered based on need, interest and availability of trainers, equipment, and supplies. Not all skills are offered at each session.
- Baking
- Hairdressing/Barbering
- Knitting/Weaving
- Leatherworks/Jewelry Making
- Satellite Installation
- Sewing
- Soap Making/Cosmetics
Kafanchan Empowerment/Skills Center
In Kafanchan, a skills center was started about 12 years ago, the dream of Nana Dogo, wife of AEP partner Bishop Markus Dogo. Lack of funding had stalled the project; despite the incomplete building, some training was taking place with a focus on sewing school uniforms and making personal hygiene kits.
On a visit to the United States in May of 2024, Nana discussed at length her dream of completing the center in order to engage disenfranchised youth and widows in particular, with skills to help make them financially independent. After much discussion and review of funds needed to complete the project, AEP board members voted to help complete the facility. Thanks to a generous benefactor, the work was finished, complete with solar power. Classes have been offered several times already with good response from the community. In addition, students from the Kafanchan School have had access to training in a variety of areas. Products manufactured are sold in the center store, open to the public.
In Kafanchan, a skills center was started about 12 years ago, the dream of Nana Dogo, wife of AEP partner Bishop Markus Dogo. Lack of funding had stalled the project; despite the incomplete building, some training was taking place with a focus on sewing school uniforms and making personal hygiene kits.
On a visit to the United States in May of 2024, Nana discussed at length her dream of completing the center in order to engage disenfranchised youth and widows in particular, with skills to help make them financially independent. After much discussion and review of funds needed to complete the project, AEP board members voted to help complete the facility. Thanks to a generous benefactor, the work was finished, complete with solar power. Classes have been offered several times already with good response from the community. In addition, students from the Kafanchan School have had access to training in a variety of areas. Products manufactured are sold in the center store, open to the public.
Gusau Empowerment/Skills Center
In 2023, current board member Wendy Bellmore approached AEP for advice on a project she had helped start in Gusau- the building of a skills center, in collaboration with Mrs. Helen Danbinta, wife of our partner, Bishop John Danbinta. Through dialogue and shared interests, AEP offered to combine forces to assist in development of the shared vision of the center. The center has now been completed on the grounds of the church cathedral with funds from grants that Wendy accessed. Classes have been running with a focus on sewing and knitting school uniforms, handbag and luggage construction, and baking classes. Products are sold in the center store.
Just recently, the Gusau center management team in Nigeria opened a satellite location on the grounds of Graceland International School, AEP's first project. The school site is considered a more neutral location, on separate property across town from the cathedral, that will encourage Muslim women to attend.
This also makes it possible for our Graceland students to access training.
Gusau Empowerment/Skills Center
In 2023, current board member Wendy Bellmore approached AEP for advice on a project she had helped start in Gusau- the building of a skills center, in collaboration with Mrs. Helen Danbinta, wife of our partner, Bishop John Danbinta. Through dialogue and shared interests, AEP offered to combine forces to assist in development of the shared vision of the center. The center has now been completed on the grounds of the church cathedral with funds from grants that Wendy accessed. Classes have been running with a focus on sewing and knitting school uniforms, handbag and luggage construction, and baking classes. Products are sold in the center store.
Just recently, the Gusau center management team in Nigeria opened a satellite location on the grounds of Graceland International School, AEP's first project. The school site is considered a more neutral location, on separate property across town from the cathedral, that will encourage Muslim women to attend.
This also makes it possible for our Graceland students to access training.
Video below advertises the opening of the satellite location on Graceland International School' s campus.